Cullinan feels that Smith brought a belief and character into the team.

Former South African batsman Daryl Cullinan said that retiring Test captain Graeme Smith had brought a ‘Steve Waugh’-like mental strength to the team.

Hailing Smith, Cullinan feels that the captain brought a belief and character into the team as he loved challenges, although he never shirked his responsibility.

According to Sport24, Cullinan branded Smith as the ‘greatest opening batsman of his generation’ and said that Smith’s presence and inspiration brought a Steve Waugh-like leadership to South African cricket, adding that he would have loved to play cricket along with Smith.

Cullinan said Smith and Jacques Kallis‘ retirement will leave South African cricket in a bit of a conundrum as both brought a lot in terms of leadership and experience to the team, adding that Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis would have to pick up where Smith and Kallis left off.

Cullinan said he believed the weight of the captaincy had contributed to Smith’s early retirement, adding that there must have been an element of burnout with the burden so heavy on his shoulders.

First Published on March 5, 2014 9:10 PM ISTLast updated on March 5, 2014 9:10 PM IST